Going for the Perfect Tan

Americans, and young Americans especially, tend to overexpose themselves to the radiation of the sun.  From summers spent out by pools to those tomblike tanning beds before cruises and proms, Americans are being exposed to more and more of the effects of sunlight.  This article shares some new medical info on the practice of tanning just in time for summer.

Summer Reading

We are getting very near the end of this school year.  Hopefully you all plan on doing some reading over the summer.  Reading expands your vocabulary as well as your critical thinking skills.  It is also a great way to relax and "go on vacation" without leaving home.  What is the one book you definitely plan on reading this summer?

We Love Water

Fresh, potable water is an issue in many parts of the globe.  Luckily, we in southern CT do not suffer through droughts or poor drinking water.  This article should help you gain some perspective on how good we have it and how important taking care of our supply of fresh water is.

The Magical Technology of the Book

Here is a very interesting statement by Carl Sagan, a famous American astronomer.  It just shows how impressive the human mind is and witnesses the absolute importance of books to the continuing of our world.

Cool Writing Opportunity

Just saw this contest and thought it would be a cool idea for any interested writers.  The contest is geared towards adults but it never hurts to try.

BYOT

The place of technology in the school has become a central part of the discussion of education in Monroe since the idea of a STEM program was introduced.  This article shows that the same discussion seems to be taking place even at the college level.  Obviously you all enjoy having technology at your disposal but are there any drawbacks to the constant focus on computer and phone screens?

Awesome Playgrounds

These playgrounds are unbelievable.  Have you ever been to a really cool playground?  Where was it?  Which one of these is your favorite? (Think either cool-looking design or one that would be great to use).

Brain Freeze

Even though it isn't officially summer and even though some of you don't need to worry about this , I figured an article on the worst part of eating ice cream would be interesting reading.

Kids and Pets

Kids always bug their parents about getting a dog or cat and use reasons like "It will teach me responsibility"..."I can be in charge of walking and feeding him"..etc.  This article actually takes a scientific look at the situation.

7th Grade Short Stories

Follow this process to begin your short story for MP4.
1.  "Seven Step" Organizer
2.  "5 Questions" Sheet
3.  Discuss with teacher
4.  "Story Planner"
5.  Touch base with teacher
6.  Character Map
7.  One other Graphic Organizer
8.  Final check with teacher before drafting

What's on the Menu?

I read this article about a school food service that has a "burger" that has 26 ingredients in it!  While this is concerning it does raise a question that students, parents and the schools should probably discuss.  Is it okay for schools to offer these chemically changed foodstuffs if they are safe?  Would it be better (as suggested in the article) that schools pay to have chefs "scratch make" foods for lunches?  Isn't it the parents responsibility to feed their children and if so, shouldn't they just pack lunches if they don't like things like 26 ingredient burgers or reprocessed cheese sandwiches.  Read the article and tell us what you think.

7th Grade Speeches

Seventh graders should take a minute and reflect on how much progress has been made towards becoming proficient public speakers this year.  Think back to that first group presentation on the food pyramid where each group got in front of the class and read word for word off Powerpoint slides.  Compare that to the measured, clear, well-presented speeches at the end of MP3.   You guys have made some great strides as public speakers and presenters.  Everyone has gotten better at controlling their bodies, voices, vocal cues and fidgets.  We will have at least one more speech opportunity this year and I am hoping that the growth continues as public speaking is one of the most important skills students need to develop.

Happy B-Day Robert Frost

Check out Robert Frost reading his classic poem...do you like the poem?  What does it mean to you (theme)?  Is it better to hear the poem or read it?

What's to a Story

This article about stories is a difficult read but has some interesting ideas about the importance (or lack of importance) of the long fiction story that we are used to.

Spring is Officially Here!

Spring is here, but what does that mean?  Why is TODAY the official start of spring?  Check out this article about Spring, Seasons and Weather.  What did you learn?  What does it make you wonder about?

What did you learn?

After completing (or nearly completing) your Sci-Fi book, what from that novel can you take and apply to your life?  What did you learn about science, technology, progress or people from this book?

Good Old "Mystery Meat"

Everybody who has ever gone to school has complained about the quality of the lunches.  Often it is just complaining for the sake of complaining, but sometimes there is a legitimate gripe about the school lunches.  Recently the government has decided to use even more "pink slime" in school lunches...about 1.5 million more pounds to be precise.  If you are unclear after reading the article you can also check out this youtube video of celebrity chef Jaimie Oliver, who broke the story over a year ago.

Golden Lines

Hopefully at this point you have found some Golden Lines in your book.  These are really strong, powerful lines, the kind that give you a chill when you read them the first time and the kind that stay in your head even after you finish reading your book.  What is your favorite Golden Line so far?  Why?  Make sure you include the book title so we know what book it came from. 

Don't forget to check out some other golden lines from other books and react to them.

Welcome to Sci-Fi

After watching that short film last week (A science fiction classic), I hope you got to see that science fiction has been a driving part of entertainment for a long time.  From books to comics to films, science fiction has always captured the imaginations of authors, creators and audiences.  Do you like science fiction...it could be books, movies whatever....

Classic Cinema

We are all used to big special effects displays in movies.  I figured it would be nice for you guys to see where cinema came from.  This classic science fiction film broke new ground in the area of special effects and cinematography.  It may not look impressive to you, but these were major advances at the time.

Photography and Writing

Ansel Adams is a very famous American landscape photographer.  Read this short article and check out the landscapes in the article.  Could you use one of these as a jumping off point for some creative writing?  Do you enjoy landscape photography?  Read up on Adams and check out some of his other work as well.

Perfect Sensory Sentences (8th grade)

Here is your shot to write me a great sensory sentence that creates an effect.  Remember, I need to see at least 9 PERFECT sentences up here!!!

Specific Sensory Details (8th grade only)

Check out this website that has some very useful information on specific sensory details and sensory details for effect.

Some Fun Facts on Galileo

Check out this article on Galileo...feel free to quiz Sinusas on his knowledge of this famous scientist.

Making Full Circle Connections

7TH GRADE ONLY...
When making a connection you need to go FULL CIRCLE.  Remember that we always connect to themes or character feeling/motivation

Step 1:  What does the text remind you of?
The character Margot in "All Summer in a Day" reminds me of the main character in a children's book called "Weslandia"...

Step 2:  Why?
because in both books the main character feels alienated because of their differences.

Step 3:  How does this opinion show up in Text 1?
Margot spent her first four years on Earth and has strong memories of sunlight, which makes her different than her classmates who hate her for that fact.

Step 4:  How does this opinion show up in Text 2?
In Weslandia, the character is independent and likes to do things his own way.  This results in his classmates and family making fun of him and trying to make him "normal" like everyone else.

Step 5:  Bring it full circle...return to the original text.
The one difference is that the character in Weslandia is eventually accepted and revered for his difference.  Margot is ostracized and locked out of the excitement of seeing the sun.  This shows that the story "All Summer in a Day" is a story where people are cruel to others just because they are different.

Character Traits

Check out this story...what word would you use to describe this little lizard?  Don't forget to SEW it up!

Student Work

I have added a section to the Documents page of the website.  Under the section labeled "Student Work" there is a part of a writing piece that a student wants constructive feedback on.  If you get a chance, read his piece and post some feedback here...

If you have any writing you would like feedback on, just email it to me and I can post your work either on the website or directly here on the blog.

Closing out Marking Period 2

Just like Marking Period 1, I would like you to spend a few minutes thinking about the following questions before posting a short reflection under this post.
1.  What have I gotten better at during MP2?
2.  What do I continue to struggle with?
3.  What do I want to focus on during MP3?
4.  What is one thing I definitely want the class to do during MP3?

Regulating the Internet

There has been a large debate going on in Washington D.C. and other places about the nature of the internet and the access that people should/should not have to it.  It has culminated in a very controversial piece of legislation.  On Wednesday, many internet sites are "blacking out" in protest.  Read up on the SOPA legislation and post your ideas about it here.

Once Upon a Time...

"If you want your children to be bright, read them fairytales.  If you want them to be brilliant, read them even more fairytales." - Albert Einstein

What does this quote mean to you?  How does reading fiction make you "bright" or even "brilliant"?

A for Activity

This is an interesting article that links exercise to success in school.  Do you think you get enough exercise?  If yuo got a little more do you think it would improve your grades or concentration in class?  How about something like recess?  It looks like recess might be more than just a little break in the day, it could actually help students perform better in school.

Some Strange Snow

Seeing as how we have not had a single snowflake this year I figured I would give you guys a chance to see some snow that isn't so much fun.  How weird is this?

Stay Healthy

Winter is the time of year that many people fall victim to a cold or the dreaded "stomach bug".  This article has some tips on beating the winter sicknesses.  Do you currently do any of them?  Do you know any others?